VR plans to recruit 65 drivers to operate Tampere’s first light rail line, which is due to open in August next year. The €238.8m Section 1 comprises a 15km Y-shaped line running east from Pyynikintori in the city centre to Hervantajärvi and Tampere University Hospital, with a depot in Hervanta.

The operator ran an online information session on May 2 as part of its efforts to attract potential applicants.

VR, the city of Tampere and Tampere Tramway are currently developing an operational plan for the line, with training of nine traffic controllers starting in May. The light rail network will employ up to 130 staff, as well as subcontractors.

“It is great that the development phase of the Tampere Tramway has already progressed so far and we are able to increase the number of VR’s drivers,” says Topi Simola, VR director of passenger transport. “We received 626 applications during the previous search for traffic controllers. Now we are looking for more than six times as many drivers.”

As well undergoing a health check, VR will also test applicants on their vigilance, ability to work under pressure, customer service skills and previous work experience. The job also requires flexibility, with the work divided over three shifts a day.

“Tram drivers have a key role to play in ensuring traffic safety and smoothness,” says Mr Vesa Rauhala, VR’s project manager. “We want to provide Tampere residents with the best possible service and customer experience, so customer service skills, enthusiasm and a desire to learn and develop are also crucial.”

Driver training will take around six months from December, and will be run as an apprenticeship in association with Tampere Region Vocational College.

The course includes both theory instruction and training in a simulator, as well as practice in the LRVs.

VR will begin technical tests on the line in November, with commercial test runs scheduled for spring 2021.

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